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Public procurement failures within An Garda Síochána alarming and unacceptable - David Cullinane TD

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and member of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee David Cullinane has described a Garda internal audit report which raises concerns over the force's management of a multi-million euro IT contract with the consultancy firm 'Accenture' as "alarming and unacceptable".

Deputy Cullinane said there is a pattern of non compliance with public procurement rules across the public sector, but given the scale and size of this contract makes it all the more alarming and unacceptable.

Speaking today, Deputy Cullinane said:

“It is shocking that in a report, the Garda Internal Audit Section (GIAS) has said that 'no assurance' can be given that procurement rules were being properly followed on major IT contracts.

“This is not the first time GIAS has been in a position where it could not give the public assurances over processes and spending within An Garda Síochána."It is unacceptable if An Garda Síochána blatantly flouted public procurement rules.

“Failure to comply with public procurement rules is rampant across the public sector. The rules are too weak in the first instance and are routinely being ignored by Departments and State agencies.

"This is an issue which must be properly and appropriately examined by the PAC as a matter of urgency.”